Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-12


THE SENATE.
Nearly every afternoon between two and three
O'Clock good looking pair OF clipped bays may be
seen going down the avenue at lively rate draw.
| ing comfortable looking carriage containing a
single occupant, holding tight one or more nam.
moth envelopes. The destination is the Capitol
and the starting point the front portico of the
White House. The occupant is Mr.. o. L. Pruden,
sometimes called sergeant" Pruden, because OF
bis antipathy to the title OF major. He is the as
sstant secretary to the President position he
has held since General Grant became President.
He Is on his way to the Capitol with "message
| from the President in writing" The horses and
carriage In question form the office turnout, be-
longing to the White House. Upon the change Of
administration there was good deal OF retrench-
ment In the matter of government horses and car
rlageS, put this team was necessarily retained.
THE WHITE HOUSE HORSES.
The horses are well matched, and while not
flyers In the professional meaning OF the term are
good enough travellers to make the trip from the
White House to the capitol In a very few minutes
ANY one, who Is on the avenue often at this time
OF day, can not have failed to notice this turn out
and become accustomed to seeing it on account Of
not go dashing up the avenue like a fire engine,
but as little time as possible is lost in order that
the Senate may not adjourn between the time OF
leaving the White House and reaching the capitol.
The most unfrequented side Of the street is chosen
in order to make good time. The horses are gen.
orally driven down the west side of 18th street
and along the south side of the avenue. The
object 81 the errand is generally to convey nOmi-
nations made by the President to the Senate, al
though occasionally there Is q terSely written
veto contained in the big Official envelope. The
interest or the public centerS In learning what the
nominations are. They are Immediately announced
upon receipt by The Senate, through the news
papers, and then attract no more public attention
until 1t Is learned how they have been treated by
more become objects OF general interest
DECIDING ON APPOINTMENTS.
The mere act of sending in nominations is SIM
pie matter in Itself, but it often happens that a
good deal OF time elapses and a good deal Of red
tape Is unwound between the time the nomina-
ton Is decided upon and the nominee finally re-
ceives his commission. Even deciding upon the
appointment is a mattOr OF considerable thought
ana consideration, although the President occa-
Slonally makes up his mind very suddenly and
sends In the nomination without more ado.
Usually, however, the filling of vacancy is a
matter Of frequent and serious conferences be-
tween the President and the officer OF the cabinet,
to whose department the Office in question be-
longs Qualifications OF applicants, the influence
back OF them, the probable political effect OF their
selection for the place are all weighed in the bal
ance beforehand. The weighing IS generally done
at the cabinet meetings, and it sometimes hap
pens that other cabinet officers than the one
Saanee ha R reseheS
the man selected for the position, the cabinet Off
Ger directly responsible returns to his department
man selected. This Is done upon regular
printed form. which is sent to the White House
usually the next day to receive
THE PRESIDENTS SIGNATURE.
Sometimes the nomination is simply written at
the White House. Every day nearly number OF
these forms are received at the White House, and
when signed constitute the days nominations.
They are guarded with the most Jealous care from
the gaze OF strangers or OF inQuis1tive newspaper
reporters until they shall have been delivered into
the hands OF the Senate and then all SecreSy is
moved. Even after the nominations have left the
White House not particle of information OF their
character can be obtained at the up town end of
the line until the telegram organizations deliv-
cred" Is received. This care is necessary because
OF the danger OF the Senate'S adjOurnng before
the secretary has had time to reace the Senate
chamber, which would prevent the nominations
from being delivered until the next day. prem
AZURE announcement might prove an unintentional
SnSht TO the Senate, which would be considered q
breach OF official etiquette. Early in the afternoon
the days nominations are collected, and manifold
copies OF the names and respectives offices are
made for the convenience OF The reporters at the
Capitol These copies are given out as soon as the
most the news is sent all over the country.
DELIVERING NOMINATIONS TO THE SENATE.
MI Pruden upon reaching the Capitol makes his
way to the main entrance Of the Senate floor,
where Mr.. Bassett, who is continually on the lock
out for him, takes him in charge. Mr.
the Senate OF the arrival Of message
from the President, Immediately suspends
the business In hand. Mr.. Pruden, who has
taken few steps down the main aisle, says: Il
am directed by the President Of the United States
to present message in writing" The enve-
lope is carried to the Presidents desk, the cere-
mony is over, and business is resumed Nothing
is heard OF the nominations until the Senate has
acted upon them, which may be days or weeks.
Not1ncatiOn is then sent TO the department to
which each belongs, whether 1t has been rejected
or confirmed. II a nominee is confirmed q COM
mission is made out at the department in the regu
to the White House. When 1t has received the
Presidents signature the appointment is complete
and the new official dates his term OF Office from
this date on his commission. The commission is
again returned to the department to which 1t be-
longs and delivered or mailed TO the proper person,
is legally entitled to enter upon the discharge OF
his new duties